Members of the royal family will attend each night and the Queen will go to the last show, which will be broadcast live on TV.

Event producer and director Simon Brooks-Ward said: "There will be a very happy and celebratory feel to the whole event. We have been delighted with the level of response from funders and participants. It should be a very special and memorable occasion."

The Prince of Wales is patron of the celebrations, which are funded by private donations, and Sir Mike Rake, BT chairman and CBI president, is chairman. Proceeds will be donated to a number of the Queen's charities, which will be selected by an advisory committee.